89G-6. Application; qualifications; examination; issuance.

(a) Upon application to the Board and the payment of the required fees, an applicant may be licensed under this Chapter as an irrigation contractor if the applicant submits evidence that demonstrates his or her qualifications as prescribed in rules adopted by the Board and meets all of the following qualifications:

(1) Is at least 18 years of age.

(2) Is of good moral character as determined by the Board.

(3) Has at least three years of experience in irrigation construction or irrigation contracting or the educational equivalent. Two years of educational training in irrigation construction or irrigation contracting shall be the equivalent of one year of experience.

(4) Files with the Board and maintains a corporate surety bond executed by a company authorized to do business in this State or an irrevocable letter of credit issued by an insured institution. The surety bond or the letter of credit shall be in the amount of ten thousand dollars ($10,000). The surety bond or letter of credit shall be approved by the Board as to form and shall be conditioned upon the obligor's faithfully conforming to and abiding by the provisions of this Chapter. Any person claiming to be injured by an act of a licensed irrigation contractor that constitutes a violation of this Chapter may institute an action to recover against the licensee and the surety.

(b) If the application is satisfactory to the Board, the applicant shall be required to pass an examination administered by the Board. The Board shall establish the scope and subject matter of the examination, and an examination shall be held at least twice a year at a time and place to be determined by the Board. The examination, at a minimum, shall test the applicant's understanding of the following:

(1) Efficiency of water use and conservation in the practice of irrigation construction and contracting.

(2) Proper methods of irrigation construction.

(3) Proper methods for irrigation installation.

(4) Basic business skills.

(c) When the Board determines that an applicant has met all the requirements for licensure, the Board shall issue a license to the applicant.